ABSTRACT
At the end of this chapter you should be able to:
ž define a complex wave ž recognize periodic functions ž recognize the general equation of a complex waveform ž use harmonic synthesis to build up a complex wave ž recognize characteristics of waveforms containing odd, even
or odd and even harmonics, with or without phase change ž calculate rms and mean values, and form factor of a complex
wave
ž calculate power associated with complex waves ž perform calculations on single phase circuits containing
harmonics ž define and perform calculations on harmonic resonance ž list and explain some sources of harmonics
36.1 Introduction In preceding chapters a.c. supplies have been assumed to be sinusoidal, this being a form of alternating quantity commonly encountered in electrical engineering. However, many supply waveforms are not sinusoidal. For example, sawtooth generators produce ramp waveforms, and rectangular waveforms may be produced by multivibrators. A waveform that is not sinusoidal is called a complex wave. Such a waveform may be shown to be composed of the sum of a series of sinusoidal waves having various interrelated periodic times.
